7 Mistakes That Can Age Our Brains

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Hey there! As a parent on the older side, these thoughts often creep into my mind. I can’t help but feel a little guilty about my age, despite knowing my life unfolded just how it was meant to. My kids are still young, and while I usually try to avoid dwelling on my own mortality, it’s a tough habit to break. To combat this, I do yoga to stay limber and strong, preventing stiffness from taking hold. I always thought keeping my brain sharp was out of my control, but it turns out I might have more influence than I realized. Alright, brain, let’s kick it into gear!

Here are 7 things we should steer clear of if we want to keep our minds as sharp as ever:

1. Chowing Down on Processed Foods
   We all know that the typical American diet—loaded with sugar, unhealthy fats, and overly processed items—isn’t great for our bodies, but it’s also detrimental to our brains. Excessive sugar can mess with our memory and learning abilities, and it may play a role in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. Nutritionists suggest a Mediterranean-inspired diet rich in fish, whole grains, and veggies for brain health. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean we should indulge in more grilled cheese or Girl Scout cookies!
2. Living too Close to Traffic
   Air pollution is a serious concern, and residing near a busy highway can increase your exposure. This can heighten your risk of silent strokes, which is quite alarming.
3. Evening Cocktails
   That evening glass of wine might seem harmless, especially with all the mixed messages on its benefits, but having a couple of drinks nightly can be more harmful than good. Studies are a bit conflicted, often warning that regular alcohol consumption “could pose risks” to brain health. Definitely something to consider.
4. Letting Stress Take Over
   Chronic stress is a major no-no! It shortens telomeres, the protective caps on our DNA that influence how our cells age. Plus, too much stress can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. Meditation might sound silly to some, but it’s been shown to lower cortisol levels and safeguard our brains from aging. Give it a shot; it’s easier than you think and can be super beneficial. It doesn’t have to be all “om” and emptying your mind—just slowing down the mental chatter works wonders.
5. Skimping on Sleep
   We all know sleep deprivation can feel torturous, so it’s no surprise that not getting enough shut-eye can accelerate brain aging. I haven’t nailed this one yet, but any research that suggests sleep is vital for our health is a win in my book.
6. Being a Couch Potato
   Sitting for prolonged periods can not only harm your body but also shrink your brain! This is particularly unfortunate for those of us who love to write, as we tend to do a lot of sitting.
7. Zoning Out Too Often
   It’s time to balance out the TV binge-watching with activities like reading, cooking, engaging in conversations, or tackling crossword puzzles and sudoku. Brain workouts can be more effective than medication at keeping us mentally sharp.

The key to a healthy brain is keeping it engaged and trying new things. My amazing grandmother, who is 95 and still going strong, is proof of this. She regularly plays golf, loves new experiences, reads, socializes, takes walks, and even traveled to Spain last year! Isn’t that what we all aspire to?

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Summary:

To keep our brains sharp and youthful, we should avoid unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol, chronic stress, and sedentary lifestyles, while encouraging mental engagement through new experiences.